Needlework News » Needlework general news

Tutorial: Embroidered cell-phone corset

Denise Felton — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:12:39 +0000

The Urban Threads newsletter tips us off:

A couple months ago Karline got a new cell phone, and of course, she wanted to make a spiffy case for it. Here’s what she came up with — the oh-so-schmexy cell phone corset! It’s lined with microfiber to pamper the screen, and it laces up the back just like a person-corset.

If you love the look of corsets but are a little daunted by the idea of making the real deal (especially in the midst of crafty-gift-giving season), try making a miniature one! It goes together pretty quickly, and the grommets and lacing are a surefire way to make your phone stand out.

A cell-phone pouch that looks great + keeps the screen clean. Be still my heart! See the tute.

Salley Mavor blogs it out

Denise Felton — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:51:16 +0000

Yes, yes, yes! *happy dance happy dance* Salley Mavor (Wee Folk Studio) has moved to blogland! She says,

Yes, I’ve decided to come out of my cocoon and join the world of blogs. This is an opportunity to share my creative life with you, whether you’ve seen my illustrations in children’s books, have made projects from my how-to book, Felt Wee Folk, or are a lover of embroidery and textile art. I will show work in progress, along with images and artists that I find inspirational. After years of quietly working in my own private space, I feel compelled to communicate with like-minded people, who have a passion for stitching. I plan to present current, new work as well as dip into the past, showing early works made during my 30 year career.

The blog has been live only for a week, so you can catch up quickly. And now we all can look over Salley’s shoulder every day! Better add her to your blog reader. Go to the blog.

A week of giveaways at Sewforless.com

Denise Felton — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:34:55 +0000

Oh, my goodness! Sewforless.com is giving away the good stuff! For at least a week, the site is saying thanks to its customers with Thankful Days Giveaways. The first prize — a pair of WunderStitch scallop shears valued at US $29.99 — has already been claimed. Drop by the site every day to see and enter the latest contest!

Free pattern from Di van Niekerk

Denise Felton — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:24:15 +0000

Di van Niekerk of Crafts Unlimited is sharing this beautiful blue hydrangea design. Her newsletter says,

This multipurpose design is the first in the set of three gorgeous designs and is just the thing for embroidery, decoupage, scrapbooking and card making. Make an ATC or embroidered postcard – the possibilities are endless.

Download the PDF file.

Giveaway X 7

Denise Felton — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:13:31 +0000

Have you entered the seven CraftGossip Needlework giveaways that are going on now? If not, get a move on! The contests end at 8:00 a.m. (Central USA time) next Monday, November 23.

Laura Hughes note cards

Say it with Stitches: New Embroidery Designs for Letters and Words by Sharon and Kristin Jankowicz

Stitchy Kitty Fuzzy Puppy: 60 Motifs to Stitch Everywhere by Ayako Otsuka

Manga Cross-Stitch: Make Your Own Graphic Art Needlework by Helen McCarthy

Felting for Baby: 25 Warm & Woolly Projects for the Little Ones in Your Life by Saori Yamazaki

Woven Treasures: One-of-a-kind Bags with Folk Weaving Techniques by Sara Lamb

Freestyle Machine Embroidery: Techniques and Inspiration for Fiber Art by Carol Shinn

Fabric intarsia: Felt-inlay patchwork

Denise Felton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:01:02 +0000

I’m enthralled. It never occurred to me that it’s possible to create inlay with fabric — much as woodcrafters do with veneer. And yet this needlework technique has been around at least since the 14th century! Crafting with wool felt is at a fever pitch right now, and here’s another perfect application for this luxurious fabric. Needleprint blog tells us a bit about technique and a bit about history, directs us to an exhibition in Vienna, and shares some fantastic photos. See the post.

Tatting tip: When a ring won’t close

Denise Felton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:47 +0000

If you’re frustrated by a tatted ring that refuses to close, TATBit Tats has the answer. See her tip.

Oh, and don’t drive yourself crazy looking for a unclosed ring in the image. The picture is up there just because the tatting is gorgeous, not because it’s flawed!

Free pattern: Prick-and-stitch wreath

Denise Felton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:36:49 +0000

DJ of Prick and Stitch Is My Craft is highlighting this lovely holiday card stitched by reader Capricorn. The prick-and-stitch pattern for the motif is free. Capricorn made it her own by replacing the stitched berries with flatback gems and adding a peel-off greeting and edging. So pretty — and quick to make! Get the pattern.

Inspiration: Rachel Loves Bob

Denise Felton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:19:22 +0000

The dimensional embroidery of Rachel Loves Bob is totally swoonable! Silhouettes formed of buttons, with vintage beads tucked here and there to fill in. Just lovely. See the Etsy shop.

And many thanks to Penguin & Fish for pointing out this charming art.

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Tutorials: Four SRE stitches

Denise Felton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:07:24 +0000

Hifa of Craft Patterns and Tutorials has posted tutorials for some of her favorite silk-ribbon embroidery techniques: feather stitch, gathered ribbon rose, loop stitch, and fly stitch. See the tutes. And watch her blog — she says more tutes are coming!

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Tutorial: Fence stitching

Denise Felton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:56:05 +0000

kakariki of Radical Cross Stitch has joined “the realestate4ransom prankster campaign against the rampant land speculation plaguing Melbourne’s suburbs.” Thus, she is sharing a tutorial for a bit of gentle vandalistic protest: fence stitching. Yes, you can “cross-stitch” an image on any chain-link fence. Ordinances or conscience may prevent you from fence stitching on others’ property, but you can always stitch your own fence! Yarn-bomb your own property with Christmas trees, menorahs, or seasonal sayings! See the tute.

Giveaway: June at Noon patterns

Denise Felton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:46:45 +0000

Gretchen of June at Noon is giving away two original, adorable Matryoshka-doll embroidery patterns. Go to her blog post to enter before 10:00 p.m. (Eastern USA time), November 24. The winner will be announced November 25.

Free patterns and charts: Christmas

Denise Felton — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:32:56 +0000

(1) Vive Noël from Brodyzen Créations
(2) Christmas Tree Angel from Madame Chantilly Cross Stitch
(3) Biscornu Noël from Le blog de kali
(4) Biscornu (2) from Le blog de kali
(5) Un petit ange from Le blog de Mamou
(6) SAL de Noël – Partie 18 from Echevette
(7) SAL de Noël – Partie 19 from Echevette
(8) ABC … Noël (4) from et patati et petites croix
(9) ABC … Noël (5) from et patati et petites croix
(10) Coeur Noël from Le blog de kali
(11) Joyeux Noël (2) from Le blog de kali
(12) Les cadeaux de Noël de Lutinette from Les chroniques de Frimousse
(13) Needlepoint Christmas Decorations from Happy Threads

Free chart: Festival of Lights frame

Denise Felton — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:41:30 +0000

The needlepoint chart for this photo frame with glowing silver menorah (designed by Judi Kauffman) is free from FreePatterns.com. Get the chart.

Free patterns and charts

Denise Felton — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:34:17 +0000

(1) Fashionable vintage squirrel from doe-c-doe
(2) Fly Away Home from June at Noon
(3) Médaillon 1 from Aurelle
(4) Un dinosaure from Les grilles de Thiarlou
(5) L’arrivée de Mamigoz au chalet du Chat Noir from Chez Mamigoz
(6) Petit lapin – réédition from les loisirs abbygaelle
(7) Circle Design from Le blog de Liselotte
(8) Happy vintage kitties from mes petits bricolages et mes chats
(9) Petite fille – réédition from les loisirs abbygaelle
(10) Petshop golden retriever from au fil de mes croix